'The Amazing Race Asia' is back with its third season and 'Outlook' followed the teams on their first leg in Thailand

YANAPON MUSIKET

'Are you ready? Go!" Fans will hear this catchphrase from hunky Allan Wu, host of the reality series The Amazing Race Asia once again as the programme is back on TV screens in its third season.

As many may remember, last year Thai sweetheart Paula Taylor, who strikes a pose on almost all advertising boards and TV screens, teamed up with her childhood friend Natasha Monks. Both girls represented Thailand in The Amazing Race Season 2. Unfortunately, they didn't bring home the first prize, but did flaunt the signature Siamese smile during the show, winning many hearts.

This year Thailand may get lucky, as AXN Asia, producer of The Amazing Race Asia, says, "The third time is always the charm."

Take the word of Ricky Ow, senior vice-president and general manager of SPE Networks - Asia, parent network of AXN. Ow says the race, which hits TV screens tomorrow and ends on November 23, is the toughest race ever. "Teams will have shorter resting times, the journey will be harder and the speed of the race will be faster and more intense than previous seasons," he adds.

Allan Wu.

The race comprises of 10 teams, each chosen for their uniqueness and different backgrounds. However, this season many of the contestants are celebrities or TV personalities in their homeland, so it may be disappointing not to find "the man-on-the-street" run the race. On the other hand, casting celebrities does makes the show juicier - seeing them get down and dirty, and do whatever it takes to win the $100,000 (3.4 million baht) prize.

Another reason to watch the show is because the first legs of the race were filmed in the Kingdom.

Thailand is being represented by two teams this season. The first team consists of Miss Universe 2005, 26-year-old Natalie Glebova, and Pailin Rungratanasunthorn, 25, first-runner up Miss Thailand Universe 2006. The two beauty queens are expected to spice up the show with their flawless skin, sexy, long legs and gorgeous faces, but that's not why they joined the race.

"We would like others to change the perception about beauty queens," says Pailin, in her sweet kitten-like voice. "Nat and I can do more than just walking on a runway."

But why The Amazing Race?

"I have always been a fan of the show since I was in Canada," says Glebova, the blue-eyed Russian Canadian, originally from Tuapse, Russia, who represented Canada in the Miss Universe 2005 contest.

"Over dinner one day, one of us talked about the race. So, we both agreed to give it a try and that's how it started, " says Pailin.

Pailin Rungratanasunthorn (left) and Natalie Glebova, Thailand.	Visa `Mai' Sarasas (left) and Oliver Faivre, Thailand.

From high heels to sneakers, Pailin and Glebova have always been globetrotters. "We both enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle, and since we have travelled around the world that could be our strength in the game," explains Glebova.

Pailin also says that since they were chosen, both girls began to learn intensively about how to become good racers. "We watched the old seasons together and talked about what each of us is capable of, "says Pailin.

''Then we divided the tasks. For example, one of us is better at eating, while the other is good at sporty missions,'' notes Glebova.

So can fans expect to see them look stunning at all times?

''No way,'' says Pailin immediately. ''This race is tougher than we imagined. And I have never felt as dirty as when I was in the race. Sometimes, we didn't even get a chance to shower the whole day.''

Pretty faces are not limited only to the Glebova-Pailin team. The second Thai team also has its share of pretty faces.

Actress Visa ''Mai'' Sarasas chose her brother's friend, Oliver Faivre, 26, half French and Thai model, to run the race with her.

''I chose him because, first, I could not name any of my girlfriends who could really get through the race with me, so I turned to look for guys,'' says Mai, as she is known among friends. ''Second and the most important is that we're friends. We're not in a relationship. So we won't end up fighting like lovers from the previous races.''

Many couples who have run the race in the past have called it a ''test of true love''.

However, Oliver revealed their secret. ''Don't worry about our fighting because that what we always do, we fight a lot,'' laughs Faivre. ''I think the show will be fun when you see us yelling at each other.''

Even though Mai has a petite figure extreme sports are her favourite activity. ''I am an outdoors person. And to be part of the race, it gives me a chance to travel the world. Isn't that amazing?'' Mai remarked.

''Oliver is a very competitive guy,'' she added. ''Although this is the first time we work together as a team, I am very sure that we will have a good time. I also hope our fans will wish us luck, as well.''

Mai used to think that this show was a set-up until she was selected. ''It's the real deal,'' she insists. ''Prepare your body, as well as other survival skills because this game is not just about fast running. If you're good at booking a flight, for example, that is one way to win the race.''

'The Amazing Race Asia 3' debuts on AXN (True Visions 25, True Visions 19) tomorrow at 9pm.

SOUTH KOREA

This is South Korea's first entry into The Amazing Race Asia. Brothers William, 26 (left), and Isaac Hong, 29, are full of energy as the two are genuine sport fanatics. A sport commentator, Isaac, says his brother William, a football agent for professional players in South Korea, is a real ''Tara [The Amazing Race Asia] freak''. William retorts that Isaac has watched all episodes of The Amazing Race, both US and Asian versions!

SINGAPORE

Singapore presents long-time friends A.D. Chan, 34 (left), freelance writer and director, coupled with Fuzzie Sirajudin, 34, English teacher.

Although ''geeky'' in appearance, the ladies argue that because they are the most ''unlikely'' type of racers, they are ''perfect'' for it! Go girls!

HONG KONG

Another team with intriguing profiles: Vince Hung (right), 32, former primary school teacher-turned-famous stand-up comedian, teamed up with university lecturer, Sam Wu, 32. Wu is also one of the top players of the online word-puzzle Prolific. Let's see if this witty and funny duo can beat the beauty queens.

MALAYSIA

From the runway to a race around the world, 39-year-old actress Bernie Chan (left) was the host of Project Runway Malaysia. Her brother Henry Chan, 43, is a chef and restaurant owner. The most difficult challenge for this team will be keeping their 39-year relationship intact.

PHILIPPINES

It may not be a good idea for a couple to spend an intense month under stress. But, who knows, it may have a happy ending. Model Geoff Rodiguez, 28 (left), and his girlfriend, Tisha Silang, 32, business development manager, are guaranteed to sizzle TV screens with romance or arguments.

INDIA

The first Indian team are cousins, Neena Rai, 24 (left), model and artist, and Amit Rai, 27, real estate consultant. This team behaves more like siblings than first cousins. They say, ''We have gone though life, education and stress together and we have this bond.''

INDIA

Niroo Asrani, 53 (left), actor and Kapil Asrani, 25, human resources executive, are the first father and son team on The Amazing Race Asia. Kapil says that he took part in the race not just for the spirit of adventure, but also to bond with his father.

MALAYSIA

Girl teams are always fun to watch, and Ida Nerina, 44 (left), actress, director and producer, and her best friend, Tania Khan, 36, property developer, are no exception. Much like yin and yang, Ida claims to be hot tempered, while Tania is laid back and friendly. The team already knows their weakness _ Ida's ankles, which may be a problem during the race.

THE TRIALS OF ROAD BLOCKS, FAST FORWARDS, YIELDS, INTERSECTIONS AND DETOURS RETURN

For those not familiar with The Amazing Race Asia:

- Each of the 10 teams are composed of two people who have some kind of relationship with each other.

- Teams compete against each other in different situations and countries, facing the same challenges, but applying their brains and skills to outsmart, outplay and outlast the other teams.

- Each team receives clues and money for each leg of the race. Teams need to complete whatever tasks are mentioned in the clue and arrive at a ''pit stop'' once their tasks are accomplished correctly.

- The last team to arrive at the pit stop is eliminated at the end of each leg of the race.